COLLECTION: Victorinox Fireman Slide Lock 111mm

This is the slide lock version of the more common linear locking Fireman model.

COLLECTION: Victorinox Spartan (/Camper) 91mm (1960s)

The model with the Spartan tool set we have now was known as the Camper in the 1960's.  It has exactly the same tool set as the modern Spartan and also the same size.

The Camper carried that tool set until the early 1980s when a wood saw was added and it became the modern Camper.  Meanwhile the original Camper was renamed as the Spartan.  The Standard model during that time had the same tool set with solid scales (thus, no Tweezers and Toothpick).  This model is a direct descendant of the Original Officer Knife as it has the same set of tools.

References:

www.sakwiki.com

Victorinox Catalogs 1960s, 1970s & 1980s

COLLECTION: Victorinox 111mm

This is my growing 111mm Victorinox collection. The rescue tool is permanently stationed in my car compartment.

From left to right, Fireman SL, Trekker, Alpineer, Rescue Tool, Picknicker, Jumpmaster, Sentinel.

COLLECTION: Wenger Delemont Standard Issue (Soldier) 1966

Here's another Wenger SI knife I got.  It's from 1966, the main blade has seen better days.  I've tried to rescue it a bit but since I don't own a belt sander plus I don't want to ruin it further, I just tried to preserve the "used" look.

After the debacle of using red anodized scales which quickly wore out during field use, Wenger and Victorinox decided to change back to the normal silver anodized scales for the SI/Soldier model after 1964 although there were some Soldier models in 1965, 1970 and 1975 that had red alox scales together with the silver ones.

References:
www.sakwiki.com

PRINTS: Victorinox Classic SD 58mm Argyle Pattern

This pattern is part of the fashion-inspired collection for the Classic range.

The argyle is made of diamonds and lozenges typically characterized by an overlay of inter crossing diagonal lines on solid diamonds.  The pattern is derived from the tartan of Clan Campbell, of Argyll in western Scotland, usually used for kilts and plaids and from patterned socks worn by Scottish Highlanders since at least the 17th century.

Reference:
Arygyle Pattern wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argyle_(pattern)) accessed 21 July 2014

PRINTS: Victorinox Classic SD Chinese Opera Mask

Here's another looker, the Victorinox Chinese Opera Mask print.  One of Three acquired :)

COLLECTION: Victorinox Escort 74mm (1960s)

This is one of the thinnest 74mm models of Victorinox at only 4.85mm (0.20 inch) thick.  It is a single layer, 2-bladed model with stainless steel scales, usually ribbed.  This model has the earlier style of the Long nail file usually seen in 74mm models.  It has a dual slotted textured file on one side and a standard crosscut file on the opposite side.

My SAK has the Victoria (w/ crossbow) tang stamp on the main blade which suggests this SAK may have been produced between 1960-1970.  The condition of the scales is still good even after almost 50 years.

I did some research on the company etched on the scale "RHG Electronics Laboratory, Inc".  It was a company founded by Arnold Rubin "R", Ron Hirsch "H", and Robert E. Gruber was the "G" in RGH.  They manufactured log amps and mixers along with associated products used in the microwave and RF industries.  They started in Farmingdale New York in 1960, relocated to Deer Park New York some time after 1970 when they needed larger facilities.  They were subsequently sold to other companies including M/A-Com.  Their products are still available for sale today.

References:
www.sakwiki.com
Victorinox Tang Stamps
http://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedia/wherenow.cfm accessed 17 July 2014.

COLLECTION: Victorinox Climber 125 year Anniversary Edition

This is the Climber released as part of a special series to commemorate the 125th year Anniversary of Victorinox with a tagline - Companion for Life.  

This is the Climber and Classic together :)

COLLECTION: Victorinox Champion 91mm (1960's)

Yey! I got my first Victorinox tool with bail.  This is the Champion as seen in the 1960's catalog.

Mine is in pristine condition.  All the tools doesn't show any signs that they were used.  Even the scales are in very good condition, only has storage wear on the edges.